CRI Revokes Support for GreenSeal Standard

Dalton, GA, Jan. 9, 2009--The Carpet and Rug Institute said it will no longer recognize GreenSeal's GS-37 Standard as a Green Certification for its Seal of Approval Carpet Cleaning Solutions.

CRI cited shortcomings in the process used to develop the well-known environmental standard.

According to CRI, Green Seal failed to follow its own written guidelines for consensus standard-setting, specifically regarding stakeholder input and risk assessment.

"GS 37 is flawed and CRI cannot support it," said CRI president Werner Braun.

Prior to its decision, CRI had accepted GS 37 as a component for its Seal of Approval Green designation, which identifies spot cleaners, pre-sprays, and in-tank cleaning solutions that are environmentally responsible as well as effective.

CRI continues to recognize the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment certification, as well as the Canadian government's EcoLogo and EnviroDesic certifications.

Products that were certified under a previous version of GS 37 will retain their SOA Green designations, Braun said.

Braun said that CRI would reconsider its decision if Green Seal were to "reopen the GS 37 standard and develop it in an environment that respects the consensus standard-setting process."